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Our Top 8 End-of-Summer Cleaning Tips
Fall has never looked so clean.
Some fall-loving folks start celebrating the season a bit early — much to summer fans’ dismay — but it’s no longer up for debate. The first day of fall is September 22, which means summer is truly, officially ending, my friends. No matter which side you’re on, it’s time to accept the change of seasons. It’s also time to shut down and stow away your summer things, which entails a bit of cleaning. Sigh. It’s not as bad as spring cleaning, though — I promise! Plus, properly caring for seasonal items ensures a longer lifespan, which saves you money in the long run. Score.
Scrub Outdoor Furniture
Flynnside Out Productions
Give your outdoor furniture a thorough cleaning to remove built-up debris. Different types of outdoor furniture require different cleaning techniques. Check out our cleaning guide to see how to clean yours.
Clean Outdoor Cushions
Spring-Inspired Decor With Outdoor Floor Cushions
Maximize your seating capacity outside with stacks of oversized pillows laid out near sofas and loveseats. As your soiree grows, this will allow plenty of cushy surfaces for guests to gather around one another.
Photo by: Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions
Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions
Spot-clean cotton, polyester and acrylic fabrics with a mixture of liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. Rinse with clean water, and allow time to air-dry.
Wash Beach Towels
Todd Douglas / Getty Images
Swimming season has come to an end, so give those beach towels a much-needed bath. Use the hottest water the fabric will allow, and add a small amount of fabric softener to the load.
Scrub The Grill
Tomas Espinoza
Thanks to summer’s barbecues, your grill is probably sporting some cooked-on grit and grime. Try our seven-step, deep-clean process to return it to its former glory.
Don’t Forget the Grill Utensils
Tips for Cleaning Your Grilling Utensils
Get your greasy grilling utensils clean (and keep them clean).
Photo by: Emily Fazio
Emily Fazio
Give your grill’s accessories a deep clean, too. Though you probably wash them after each barbecue, they could use one, final scrub-down before being stowed away. We’ll show you how.
Clean + Drain Lawn Mower
Mint Images / Tim Pannell / Getty Images
Show your trusty lawn mower some love, and clean out all that caked-on grass. Not sure how? We’ve got you covered. Also, be sure to empty your gas tank, and run the mower dry for the winter months. This will keep your mower’s carburetor from getting clogged while sitting in storage — which will save you a major headache in the spring.
Clean Gardening Tools
Tomas Espinoza
To prevent rusting, scrub off those hard-worked garden tools. Get helpful tips here.
Sweep Out the Garage
Dylan Eastman
Rid your garage of all the grass and debris that get tracked in during the warm-weather months. Have oil stains or garage door issues that need attention? Check out our guide to garage maintenance.
13 Must-Know Cleaning Tips for Pet Parents
See All PhotosSpend more time cuddling with your furry family members and less time cleaning up after them with these smart tips.
